Trainee Associate Review

I am part of the UK valuations team, predominantly focussing on valuations for tax purposes. On a day to day basis I will carry out analysis using a variety of methods in order to quantify the value of a company or a particular instrument within the share capital of a company. I will also be involved in writing up deliverables which are then reviewed by managers and partners within the firm. I will have client interactions on the phone several times a week and sometimes have the opportunity to fly over to London to engage with clients.

Before I joined the firm my IT skills were severely lacking, however since joining PwC these have improved dramatically and I am now regularly involved in building complex financial models using excel or other power tools. I have also been trained in basic finance theory to a level where I can understand any nuances of the work I am carrying out and be able communicate my ideas with colleagues or clients.

In my programme I have been given plenty of opportunities to meet clients and integrate into the wider Valuations team within PwC. Although obviously there are occasions when I am particularly busy or doing slightly boring work, as a whole I would say the experience has been a positive one.

The programme is structured so as when you join the firm you receive an initial 3/4 weeks of training in your line of service and will then begin to work in that line of service and learn on the job. We have carried out exams at a rate of one every 2/3 months so far and receive outside training for the exams as well as study days. Jumping straight into work has helped me to understand the theory behind the exams much better and allowed me to quickly feel like part of the team.

Within the firm I have a career coach with whom I have regular chats with about how everything is both inside and outside of work. The firm has an abundance of wellbeing networks and initiatives to ensure all employees feel supported. The majority of partners and staff member within the team are friendly and approachable which ensures the atmosphere is usually positive.

So far I have completed the certificate of finance accounting and business, which is like a foundation degree to the ACA exams. I have received classes for 3 of the 6 exams within the CFAB and have found these to be beneficial along with the study days provided to allow for the best possible exam prep.

Overall I would say I have not found the CFAB exams particularly challenging however having the background accounting knowledge as well as an understanding of basic finance theory has definitely helped me to grasp my role better and understand the theory behind the work we carry out within the firm.

There are regularly "away days" within the firm in which our team will fly over to London or Birmingham etc to connect with the UK wide valuations or Deals practices. There is the opportunity to get involved in several sports teams or take part in one of the numerous charity events held by the firm.

Yes

I have been given ample opportunity since I joined the firm to prove my worth and have been able to build a network within the firm. On a day to day basis the work is usually interesting and I get on well with the majority of people in the team.

If you are considering a job in any line of professional services the school leaver program gives you the opportunity to receive the qualifications without having to pay the fees for going to uni. You will also start getting paid straight away and starting off in the job allows for on the job learning which I feel greatly accelerates your learning.